Tunable WDM Multiplexer Integration for Colorless Optical Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber broadband networks require complex and costly digital signal processors (DSPs) and external multiplexers/demultiplexers for wavelength isolation, increasing deployment complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a tunable wavelength division multiplexer into the direct detection optical module, a tunable multiplexer is integrated into the optical module, eliminating the need for DSPs and external multiplexers/demultiplexers by performing wavelength isolation within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external passive wavelength division multiplexing multiplexers/demultiplexers and filters are deployed to isolate wavelengths, then wavelength isolation is achieved, but device complexity and deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wavelength division multiplexing multiplexer and demultiplexer functions directly into the optical module, merging previously separate external components with the optical receiver and transmitter. This integration eliminates the need for external passive WDM multiplexers/demultiplexers and filters, reducing device complexity while maintaining wavelength isolation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed to perform multiple functions: optical signal reception, wavelength division multiplexing, wavelength isolation, and electrical signal conversion, all within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated WDM components, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If external multiplexers/demultiplexers and filters are deployed for wavelength isolation, then wavelength separation is maintained, but labor and engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the WDM multiplexer/demultiplexer functions into the optical module itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate external filter components. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and deployed, thereby reducing labor and engineering costs while maintaining wavelength separation
3Reliability
If DSPs are used for signal processing, then signal quality is maintained, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength isolation function from complex digital signal processors and implements it through optical filtering mechanisms within the integrated optical module. This removes the need for DSPs to perform wavelength separation, reducing processing complexity while maintaining signal quality through dedicated optical filtering
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the optical fiber plant infrastructure, reducing labor, engineering, and troubleshooting costs while maintaining service quality by eliminating the need for external multiplexers and filters.
Implementation Method 1
cycling, by the processing system, a tunable wavelength division multiplexing multiplexer through a plurality of potential wavelengths for the incoming optical transmission until a wavelength of the incoming optical transmission is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method for colorless optical transmission for wavelength division multiplexing includes receiving, by a processing system of an optical splitter including at least one processor, an incoming optical transmission from a far end optical transceiver, cycling, by the processing system, a tunable wavelength division multiplexing multiplexer through a plurality of potential wavelengths for the incoming optical transmission until a wavelength of the incoming optical transmission is detected, wherein the tunable wavelength division multiplexing multiplexer is positioned between an optical interface of the optical splitter and a receiving optical subassembly of the optical splitter, and isolating, by the processing system, the wavelength of the incoming optical transmission subsequent to the detecting.